BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Mississippi College's Track and Field team continues to make waves in the Gulf South Conference, with standout performances that earned prestigious weekly awards from the Gulf South Conference. The latest accolades include Lauren Wallace receiving Women's Track Athlete of the Week, Jan Lukas Becker earning Men's Track Athlete of the Week, and Matthew Coleman sweeping Field Athlete of the Week and Freshman of the Week.
In a stunning solo effort, Jan Lukas Becker not only secured the Men's Track Athlete of the Week but also achieved an outstanding NCAA DII No. 1 mark in the country. Becker dominated the Men's 3,000m steeplechase at the 2024 Spring Cleaning Classic, clocking an impressive 8:55.62, good for No. 3 all-time in program history, and claiming victory by over 60 seconds. This remarkable performance not only positions Becker as a likely national qualifier but also marks the first time since 2022 that someone from the GSC has broken the 9-minute barrier in the 3K steeple.
At the same event, Lauren Wallace showcased her versatility by securing an NCAA DII Provo and Mississippi College school record of 2:10.30 in the Women's 800m, ultimately winning the meet overall. Wallace stands as the sole NCAA DII Provo of the 2024 outdoor season, currently holding the coveted No. 1 spot nationally.
In a stellar collegiate debut, Matthew Coleman, a promising freshman, made a statement by not only winning the 2024 Spring Cleaning Classic in the Men's Javelin but also attaining an NCAA DII Provo mark with an impressive distance of 61.39 meters. Coleman not only leads the Gulf South Conference in this event but also holds the distinction of being the top freshman in the country, ranking fourth overall nationally. Additionally, he secured the No. 5 all-time mark in program history in the Men's Javelin event.
The collective achievements of these athletes highlight Mississippi College's commitment to excellence in track and field. As the team continues to soar to new heights, the recognition garnered from the Gulf South Conference is a testament to their dedication and camaraderie.